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Field Guides Tour Report
Peru's Magnetic North: Spatuletails, Owlet Lodge & More 2015
Jul 22, 2015 to Aug 2, 2015Dan Lane & Pepe Rojas
The Rufous-crested Coquette is always a crowd-pleaser. Photo by participant Tim Skillin.
For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
As is becoming increasingly obvious, the El Niño of 2015-6 is shaping up to be a bad one! This has affected weather globally, which certainly has beenobvious in Peru. On the Pacific coast, the usually cool, overcast weather has been warmer and sunnier. Meanwhile, on the Amazonian slope of theAndes, the May-to-September dry season has been marked by considerably more precipitation than normal. We witnessed this first hand but, happily, itdidn't make birding in San Martin impossible; we just had to have some patience. And the birding in the Peruvian departments of San Martin andAmazonas was incredible!
On our first day, driving from Tarapoto to Moyobamba, we enjoyed the Oilbird cave under the highway and some open-country birds that are rather rareand local in Peru (and not much easier to see elsewhere!), such as Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Masked Duck, and Black-billed Seed-Finch.
Our next day, we continued to enjoy the interesting avifauna of the unique Mayo Valley, where there are influences of Amazonian rainforest (Green-backed Trogon, Scaly-breasted Wren, Peruvian Warbling-Antbird, and Fiery-capped Manakin), the drier cerrado of Bolivia and Brazil (Stripe-neckedTody-Tyrant, Little Nightjar, and Pale-breasted Thrush), and one or two elements all its own (the undescribed "Striped" Manakin). After a morningthere, we savored the hummingbird smorgasbord at the Waqanki feeders, which everyone enjoyed. From this birdy valley, we headed up into themountains to Owlet Lodge, where we managed to dodge raindrops our first day and see several nice cloud forest species before we were forced back tothe lodge by a downpour. Fortunately, the feeders (serving hungry hummingbirds and Tayra) entertained us. A break in the rain in the evening permittedus to see some antpittas, among other forest species.
We spent most of the following day at Fundo Alto Nieva, where we enjoyed a different suite of hummingbirds, glimpses of the rare and very localOchre-fronted Antpitta and Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant, and loud Scarlet-rumped Caciques and Green Jays. A brief visit to a site for RoyalSunangel was successful, as well.
The next two mornings we spent down at lower elevations in the Abra Patricia area, first around the Aguas Verdes -- where we enjoyed LanceolatedMonklet, Black-billed Treehunter, and even the rare Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher -- and then up to the famous "llanteria" (tire repair shop) near thetown of Afluente -- where immense flocks with goodies such as Versicolored Barbet, Gray-mantled Wren, and Lined Antshrike, not to mention oodlesof tanagers, furnariids, and tyrants, abounded. It was all we could do to pull ourselves away from the mind-reeling megaflocks and head up to have thefine lunch our crew had prepared for us! On our way back to the lodge, we stopped to enjoy Bar-winged Wood-Wren at the mirador. A second morningdownslope gave us some more good lower-elevation birds, and that evening, we enjoyed some fantastic looks at one of the most-wanted birds in the
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region: the mythical Long-whiskered Owlet!
Our last morning's birding around Owlet Lodge was somewhat affected by rain, but it stopped early enough for us to walk trails around the lodge and tosee some higher-elevation flocks before we had lunch, to enjoy Johnson's (or, as I prefer to call it, Lulu's) Tody-Flycatcher, and then to head to our lodgein Pomacochas. At the latter site, we saw birds more typical of drier montane habitats, such as Rufous-capped Antshrike, Baron's (probably soon to belumped with Line-cheeked) Spinetail, and Golden Grosbeak. Not only that, but the odd artwork and mummy in the foyer ensured we won't forget thishotel anytime soon!
Our day at Huembo was marked by many hummingbirds, including the diminutive Little Woodstar, the rambunctious Sparkling and Green violetears(with the occasional sighting of a Brown thrown in... but don't confuse it with the strange "colorless" Sparkling that also frequented the feeders), andnice comparisons of Andean Emerald and White-bellied Hummingbird. The Marvelous Spatuletails that are normally present had decided to shun thefeeders during this visit. While most folks had glimpses of a female, and a few lucky folks spied a sneaky male (missing rackets) as he hunkered in thedense bushes behind the feeders, the experience wasn't as rewarding as we'd hoped, so the following morning we asked Santos Montenegro if he'd mindtaking us up to another site where we have seen male spatuletails in the past. Luckily, he agreed to go, and with some patience, we all enjoyed thespectacular plumage of male spatuletails in their natural setting (no feeders!).
After this success, we drove back towards Tarapoto, with brief stops for Mitred Parakeet and Speckle-breasted Piculet, and later at a rice field andMauritia palm swamp in the upper Mayo valley for rails (seeing Rufous-sided Crake and Spotted Rail), Pale-eyed Blackbird, and Point-tailedPalmcreeper before lunch. Excellent!
Our final morning was spent in the very birdy Cordillera Escalera to the northeast of Tarapoto, where an avifauna quite different from that on the AbraPatricia road can be found: Koepcke's Hermit, Dotted Tanager, Carmiol's Tanager, and Black-faced Antbird, among others, punctuated the earlymorning. After lunch, a fairly quick stop to see Plumbeous Euphonia provided a great last bird for this tour. We can't forget, however, the BoaConstrictor and many lovely butterflies that the sharp eyes of our group found that day, too!
Pepe and I fully enjoyed the time we shared with you all, and we hope you did too! Come on back down to Peru again soon, and we'll be happy to showyou more of this amazing country we love so much! Meanwhile, keep your binoculars close, and bird on!
-- Dan
KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a =austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDSTinamidae (Tinamous)CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Some of the folks who walked the trail at the Escalera managed to catch a glimpse of this tinamou.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata)MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – A nice addition to the list: rare most places within its range!
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)SICKLEWINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Glimpsed a few times, but suprisingly well down low at about 1100m elevation!
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)RUFOUSBREASTED WOODQUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) [*]
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – A few birds in the rice country of the Mayo Valley.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)SWALLOWTAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Along the road in the rice country.PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – A couple of birds at Morro de Calzada.ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)SHORTTAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Two dark morph birds around MoyobambaWHITETHROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – A bird over the Owlet Lodge was nice, especially after a morning of pouring rain!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2
OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii) – Only recently found in the Mayo Valley, we were pleased just to hear it. Seeing this bird takes alot of work! [*]
RUFOUSSIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – A bird flew twice (!) in the rice fields our day spent driving back to Tarapoto. What a treat!RUSSETCROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) – Wow! Amazing views were had by all of this very difficult species!BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) [*]PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – A small population seems resident on Laguna Pomacochas.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]BANDTAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – A couple of folks encountered this mostly lowland species around Aguas Verdes.RUDDY GROUNDDOVE (Columbina talpacoti)BLUE GROUNDDOVE (Claravis pretiosa) [*]RUDDY QUAILDOVE (Geotrygon montana) [*]WHITETIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) – This was the dove we saw blasting by through the understory at Huembo.
Vocally, it's a bit distinct from other forms of Whitetipped, and it reaches the pass at Abra Patricia, practically a stone's throw from the next form onthe other side of the pass!
WHITETIPPED DOVE (BRASILIENSIS GROUP) (Leptotila verreauxi decipiens) [*]WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda) – See at the Lima airport.EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – The Weird Dove was at the Lima airport and also the Tarapoto airport (INSIDE the building!).
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)SMOOTHBILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)FERRUGINOUS PYGMYOWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]LONGWHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) – Well, 'Third Time is the Charm' was the winning phrase with this lil' shaver! But what a third
time we had! Too bad we couldn't find its poop... [E]RUFOUSBANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)RUFOUSBELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – A couple of birds at dusk on Day 4 showed well for us just before dinner!COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Heard at Waqanki and Pomacochas, the latter time thanks to Paula. [*]LYRETAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – Larry very calmly got us on a fine female roosting beside the highway. Nice work, Larry!LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Setopagis parvula) – Another lucky spot was getting on this lovely little bird as if flushed at the passing of troop of tamarins at
Morro de Calzada. We found a good window to see it through, too!SPOTTAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) – Local in Peru and elsewhere in western South America, we got some distant views across
the field our night at Moyobamba.
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – It was dim in that slot canyon under the highway, but we did get to see an adult feeding a chick. Cool stuff! [N]
Apodidae (Swifts)WHITECOLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)SHORTTAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)WHITETIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Several clusters seen well at Abra Patricia and the Escalera.LESSER SWALLOWTAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – One or two folks caught a glimpse our first field day at Moyobamba, but it was a
hard bird to pick out from the other swifts flying over at the time.FORKTAILED PALMSWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)WHITENECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Great views of these striking hummers at several of the feeding stations.PALETAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus) – A bird at a Heliconia by the Koepcke's Hermit house was a nice sighting after our lunch.GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – After a few fleeting glimpses, a bird or two at the Afluente Llantaria's feeders was nice.KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) – This used to be somewhat hitormiss... now with the feeders at the (where else?) Koepcke's Hermit
lodge, we can pretty much count on it! [E]GREATBILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – Called "Longtailed Hermit" in Birds of Peru, the taxonomy of this complex is far from resolved
(hence the disagreement).BLACKTHROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – At Waqanki.GRAYCHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – Good views at Aguas Verdes.
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GREENFRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Several birds coming in to the purpleflowering shrubs along the road above Afluente werenice.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – Quick looks at Waqanki and Huembo.GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – The common Violetear at Owlet Lodge and certainly numerous at Huembo, too.SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – The dominant hummer at Huembo. We even got to see the "colorless" bird I first saw last year
there!BLACKTHROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – The male and female plumages of this large hummer are both distinctive and beautiful!ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis) – It was great that all got to enjoy this local specialty!RUFOUSCRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – Always a crowd pleaser. What a crest on the male!ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) [*]SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)LONGTAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)GREENTAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Similar to the last species, but found in drier habitats.GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae) – The birds here are the southernmost of the whitetufted form, which I believe is considered a
distinct species from Buffthighed Puffleg by Clements now.EMERALDBELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline) – A little harder to see at Owlet Lodge than in the past, but an eyecatcher when it shows up!MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) – We had to work harder than usual for this bird... but the final payoff at Santos' chacra above
Pomacochas was sweet: multiple males showing off their swinging tailfeathers! Worth it! [E]BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)SWORDBILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – A species that has become far more reliable at Owlet Lodge, and always a delight to see!CHESTNUTBREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The bullies at Owlet Lodge.BOOTED RACKETTAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Most common at Alto Nieva, where the petite females caused some confusion for some.GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – Nice to see at the Koepcke' s Hermit feeders.FAWNBREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)VIOLETFRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)LONGBILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – A last minute species at the Koepcke's Hermit spot.WHITEBELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – Lots at the Owlet Lodge feeders, and a few at Huembo.LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – A couple of females at Huembo performed well.VIOLETHEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)GRAYBREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)FORKTAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Great looks at Waqanki, and a couple perhaps at the Koepcke's Hermit spot.MANYSPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – Cal got a few lucky folks on this treetop perching hummer near Afluente before it
departed not to be seen again!WHITEBELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Common at Huembo, its northernmost locality.ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae cyanocollis) – A handsome species we enjoyed at Huembo.SAPPHIRESPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea) – One or two individuals at Waqanki were sneaky.GOLDENTAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Common at Waqanki and Koepcke's Hermit.WHITECHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) – After enjoying the singing male at Morro de Calzada, we saw one at Waqanki.
Trogonidae (Trogons)GOLDENHEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) [*]GREENBACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly called "Whitetailed Trogon" we enjoyed one at Morro de Calzada.BLUECROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Also at Morro de Calzada.MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – There is a slowvoiced lower elevation bird and a fastervoiced higher elevation bird. We saw a male of
the first and a female of the second on this trip. A friend of mine is studying the evolutionary relationships within this Andean species, and will bepublishing his results soon (I hope!).
Momotidae (Motmots)BROADBILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Reliable at Morro de Calzada.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) [*]
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)WESTERN STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – Recently described by FG's own Bret Whitney!LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – A wonderful little puffbird that showed well for us!
Galbulidae (Jacamars)BLUISHFRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – Stu caught sight of one from the bus, and one had been heard at the Koepcke's Hermit spot.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus punctatus) – Not uncommon in the Mayo Valley.VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor steerii) – Great views of these colorful barbets in several flocks around Afluente, including an adult
male feeding recently fledged young.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)CHESTNUTEARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
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GOLDENCOLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – The folks who walked the Koepcke's Hermit trail spotted this fine toucan.CHANNELBILLED TOUCAN (YELLOWRIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – A pair at breakfast at Morro de Calzada were nice.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – Seen at Morro de Calzada.SPECKLECHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) – A brief view as we headed back east from Pomacochas was a nice save! [E]SMOKYBROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – A species of open country that has probably invaded up into the mountains in response to
clearing there around Afluente.REDSTAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) [*]CRIMSONMANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – A fine bird at Alto Nieva!CRIMSONBELLIED WOODPECKER (Campephilus haematogaster) – After hearing a bird at Afluente, we enjoyed a lovely pair on the trail at
Owlet Lodge. A rare set of views!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Basically only on the 'drier' side of the pass around Pomacochas.BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Wow! A bird responded well to playback, zooming around us at a palm swamp stop in the Mayo valley!
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)SPOTWINGED PARROTLET (Touit stictopterus) – Sadly, only heard as they flew over unseen... but a damned rare bird that is very seldom
encountered. [*]COBALTWINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Birds in the area are almost certainly the form gustavi, which sports yellow markings on
the leading edge of the wing.REDBILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – Seen around Afluente.SPECKLEFACED PARROT (WHITECAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – Seen several times around Owlet Lodge.BLUEHEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)SCALYNAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) – Mostly specks in the sky.MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – After seeing flocks at Huembo, we enjoyed a few perched on the cliffs over the highway between
Pomacochas and Abra Patricia.WHITEEYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – Seen around the Mayo valley and again at Alto Nieva, and even once at the pass at Abra
Patricia!
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]RUFOUSCAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus) – After nearly giving up on it, a male finally came in to playback at Pomacochas.LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – A handsome pair at Afluente was nice.VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A couple of different pairs around Owlet Lodge.UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) – A pair that played hard to get on the road between the mirador and Afluente was frustrating.RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – Several sightings of this often rare antshrike.PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)RUSTYBACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – A very handsome open country antbird we enjoyed near Moyobamba.STREAKHEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – Until recently called "Longtailed Antbird", but that species was split into four, and the
birds from central Colombia to Bolivia are now called Streakheaded.PERUVIAN WARBLINGANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – Another split (this time an 8way!) from Warbling Antbird several years resulted in
this species. We enjoyed a pair at Morro de Calzada.BLACKISH ANTBIRD (BLACKISH) (Cercomacra nigrescens aequatorialis) – This species was sneaky near Afluente, where I think the female was
seen best. This species has recently been split, but for your future reference, we saw the form that is still called "Blackish". The Riparian Antbird is,as the name suggests, found along large Amazonian rivers.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) – Similar to the last in appearance, but sounds different, we enjoyed it near the tunnel in the Escalera.WHITEBACKED FIREEYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]BLACKFACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Great views of this antbird at the Tarapoto tunnel.ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza castanea castanea) [*]WHITEPLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – Folks who walked the Koepcke's Hermit trail saw this and the next species at the army ant swarm
there. How lucky!WHITECHEEKED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) – Until very recently considered part of Bicolored Antbird (that name is now restricted to
birds west of the Andes).COMMON SCALEBACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)RUSTYTINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) – Our first full day at Owlet Lodge, we lucked into a singing bird that performed exceptionally
well! [E]CHESTNUT ANTPITTA (Grallaria blakei) – Shortly before the last, Chris spotted one of these difficulttosee antpittas and several folks got a view.
[E]OCHREFRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) – We encountered at least three territories of this recentlydescribed antpitta, and
several folks got looks. Sadly, it didn't stick around for long. [E]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
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TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]RUFOUSVENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) – Seen best on our hike down the Owlet trail at Owlet lodge. [E]WHITECROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) – A bird at Huembo performed quite well.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)BLACKFACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)TAWNYTHROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Several folks good a look at this skulky forest floor resident at the Tarapoto tunnel.OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus) – The small, unmarked woodcreeper we saw on several
days.TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina)STRONGBILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus crassirostris)OLIVEBACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – The largest woodcreeper we saw at higher elevations.STRAIGHTBILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – The smaller, more canopyloving woodcreeper at higher elevations.STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – A titmouselike member of mixed flocks.POINTTAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – This fun furnariid showed well for us before lunch the day we drove back to Tarapoto.STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Present in several flocks, it showed particularly well at the feeders at Alto Nieva.BUFFFRONTED FOLIAGEGLEANER (Philydor rufum)MONTANE FOLIAGEGLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)LINEATED FOLIAGEGLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) – Mostly heard, but a few folks caught a glimpse of this skulky furnariid as it flew across
the road.BUFFBROWED FOLIAGEGLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – One at Huembo showed briefly.RUFOUSBACKED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes scrutator) – A bird at dusk on the Owlet Trail at Owlet Lodge was nice.STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus)BLACKBILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – Nice looks of this oftenskulky furnariid at the Aguas Verdes bridge.BUFFTHROATED FOLIAGEGLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – This mousey, dark species stuck to dark understory.PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – Often mistaken for a woodcreeper, this lovely little furnariid is more colorful than most.RUFOUSFRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – The protagonists in a Coleen McCullough novel... oh wait...ASHBROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)BARON'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca baroni) – Around the grounds of our hotel at Pomacochas.AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)DARKBREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) [*]CINEREOUSBREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – Seen well near Moyobamba.RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – A couple of birds around the Owlet Lodge permitted good views.DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta) – A pair of this rare and local spinetail was sneaky at a field edge below the Afluente llanteria.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)SOUTHERN BEARDLESSTYRANNULET (AMAZONIAN) (Camptostoma obsoletum olivaceum) – Two rather distinctive forms of this species
are present on our tour route. This one is the form we had at Morro de Calzada, and it is more yellowolive (as the name suggests).SOUTHERN BEARDLESSTYRANNULET (GRAY) (Camptostoma obsoletum maranonicum) – This form is found at Pomacochas and Huembo,
and is representative of the birds from the Maranon valley and the west slope.SULPHURBELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – One of the warblerlike tyrannulets we saw in mixed flocks, this one was in the flock
at Owlet Lodge and sported buffy wingbars.MOUSECOLORED TYRANNULET (MOUSECOLORED) (Phaeomyias murina wagae) – A rather nondescript tyrannulet we saw at lunch our
first day.YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – As the name suggests, this rather yellow tyrannulet showed up before breakfast our morning at
Morro de Calzada.YELLOWCROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*]FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) [*]LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – At Morro de Calzada before breakfast.WHITECRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Seen on a few occasions. These are austral migrants from southern populations.HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura) – The pinheaded large elaenia around Pomacochas and Huembo.SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – The common elaenia at Abra Patricia.TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Paula spotted this riveredge tyrannulet.STREAKNECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)OLIVESTRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)SLATYCAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – An endemic we ran into in several mixed flocks. [E]MARBLEFACED BRISTLETYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – Looks like a miniature version of the Slatycapped above.MOTTLECHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – Amazing looks at this local species!ROUGHLEGGED TYRANNULET (WHITEFRONTED) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri leucogonys) – A bird at dawn at the Tarapoto tunnel was nice.
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BLACKCAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) – A highelevation tyrannulet we enjoyed near the pass at Abra Patricia.PLUMBEOUSCROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) [*]MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) – First encountered at the hummingbird feeders at Wakanqi, we later saw it again at the Escalera.
[E]PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius viridiflavus) – Birds here look like Goldenfaced Tyrannulet, but sound like the more yellow Peruvian
Tyrannulet farther south. Turns out, voice trumps plumage! [E]ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A handsome tyrant we enjoyed at Afluente.BRONZEOLIVE PYGMYTYRANT (Pseudotriccus pelzelni) – This drabcolored cutie gave us quite a show as we hiked trails at Alto Nieva.RUFOUSHEADED PYGMYTYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) [*]SCALECRESTED PYGMYTYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Like a mini Harpy Eagle.STRIPENECKED TODYTYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) – One at Morro de Calzada showed for most folks.PEARLYVENTED TODYTYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Same place as the last.BLACKTHROATED TODYTYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) – Great views on the return trail to Owlet Lodge our last day there.CINNAMONBREASTED TODYTYRANT (Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus) – Often a very hard bird, we enojyed good views at Alto Nieva.JOHNSON'S (LULU'S) TODYFLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) – A tiny bird, only described in the 90s, with two English names. Personally,
I prefer "Lulu's". It showed well along the driveway at Owlet Lodge. [E]BLACKANDWHITE TODYFLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis) – A nice surprise was a lovely pair of these attractive little tyrants at the
Aguas Verdes bridge.COMMON TODYFLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)YELLOWBROWED TODYFLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Great views of this tiny firecracker at Morro de Calzada.YELLOWOLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – A species that is more likely something like 8 species! Keep
tabs on where you've encountered it before, as you could get many armchair ticks later on... We saw the Andean form found from Ecuador to aboutManu (peruvianus).
YELLOWMARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) [*]YELLOWBREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) – Seen before lunch our first day.CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – True to their name, these flycatchers are pretty much restricted to cliffs.FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans)OLIVECHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Stunning in its olives and dull grays. We enjoyed it at Afluente.OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes olivaceus) – Several folks saw this minipewee on the trail at Owlet Lodge.SMOKECOLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Ahmet got us on this large pewee at Owlet Lodge.BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)RUFOUSTAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – Seen along roadcuts with stunted vegetation. We enjoyed it at the Mirador below Abra
Patricia and again at the Tarapoto tunnel.LITTLE GROUNDTYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – Chris spotted this interesting terrestrial tyrant at our hotel at Pomacochas.GOLDENBROWED CHATTYRANT (Ochthoeca pulchella) [*]DUSKYCAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]SHORTCRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)PALEEDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – The common Myiarchus in the Andes.GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)BOATBILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)GRAYCAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)LEMONBROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)GOLDENCROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – Seen at Morro de Calzada and near Tarapoto.PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)GREENANDBLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – An attractive cotinga we enjoyed in the mountains.ANDEAN COCKOFTHEROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Rather disappointing this year, only some folks got glimpses as they flashed across the
highway.
Pipridae (Manakins)JET MANAKIN (Chloropipo unicolor) – Stu, flexing his manakinfinding skills, got us on this hardtosee species!BLUEBACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola) [*]GOLDENWINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – Another Stu find! Great spotting, Stu!BLUECROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) [*]STRIPED MANAKIN (AUREOPECTUS) (Machaeropterus regulus aureopectus) – Although called the "aureopectus" form of Striped Manakin here,
this is actually an undescribed species that we hope to get published within the year! Great views at Morro de Calzada!FIERYCAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – One male showed for several at Morro de Calzada.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
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BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)WHITEWINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, ShrikeBabblers, and Erpornis)BROWNCAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Like our Warbling Vireo.REDEYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Probably migratory 'chivi' from southern South America.OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)SLATYCAPPED SHRIKEVIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]RUFOUSBROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – "Cheerful and chunky", just like our John Rowlett, also known as The Peppershrike!
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)BLUEANDWHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)WHITEBANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)SOUTHERN ROUGHWINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)GRAYBREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)WHITEWINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)SCALYBREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Microcerculus marginatus marginatus) – Nice views of this sneaky bird at Morro de Calzada.GRAYMANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – George got us on this small canopy wren.HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)SPECKLEBREASTED WREN (MARAON) (Pheugopedius sclateri sclateri) – A pair at Huembo put on a show.SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Quite a singer!WHITEBREASTED WOODWREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)BARWINGED WOODWREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – Great views of this local nearendemic (just makes it across the border into Ecuador) at
the Mirador.GRAYBREASTED WOODWREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)CHESTNUTBREASTED WREN (Cyphorhinus thoracicus thoracicus) – A bit frustrating, a pair of these understory wrens stayed mostly out of sight
our third evening searching for owlets.MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Some lucky folks at the ant swarm in the Escalera saw this.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (TROPICAL) (Polioptila plumbea parvirostris) – A bird at Morro de Calzada.
Cinclidae (Dippers)WHITECAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – A pair along the Rio Alto Nieva was nice!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)BLACKCAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – After hearing several, two blasted across the road at the parakeet cliffs near Pomacochas.SLATYBACKED NIGHTINGALETHRUSH (Catharus fuscater) – A few folks managed views of this skulker on the Owlet Trail.WHITEEARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – Great scope views of this looker on our hike on the Owlet Lodge trails.PALEBREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – At Morro de Calzada.BLACKBILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)THREESTRIPED WARBLER (THREESTRIPED) (Basileuterus tristriatus tristriatus)BLACKCRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)RUSSETCROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata inaequalis)SLATETHROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)BLACKFACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)WHITECAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – Whew! A group of these "Jay Tanagers" invaded the area around the Alto Nieva
buildings while we were there!RUFOUSCRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – One of these rufous and gray tanagers was in a flock at Owlet Lodge.GRAYHOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)BUFFBELLIED TANAGER (Thlypopsis inornata) – Ben and I independently spotted this rather unimpressive tanager at Huembo.YELLOWCRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – Cal and I spotted this tanager over the Aguas Verdes bridge.
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WHITELINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A black male and rufous female at Morro de Calzada.BLACKBELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) – Also called Huallaga Tanager by some, it is the more colorful cousin of the next
species. We even saw what looked like a hybrid between the two at Afluente. [E]SILVERBEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Present in the Escalera.VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus) – A pair against a drab sky on our second day birding the lower slopes of Abra Patricia.GRASSGREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – A pair at the Owlet Lodge brightened up a rainy afternoon!LACRIMOSE MOUNTAINTANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)BLUEWINGED MOUNTAINTANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)YELLOWTHROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)YELLOWSCARFED TANAGER (Iridosornis reinhardti) – A great bird that all enjoyed around Owlet Lodge. [E]ORANGEEARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri)BLUEGRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)BLUECAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Also called Silverbacked Tanager. One of a significant lineup of fine Tangara tanagers!MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)BLUENECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala)DOTTED TANAGER (Tangara varia) – Not much of a looker, but a damned rare bird we enjoyed at the tunnel.YELLOWBELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – At the same spot as the last only a few minutes earlier.SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)BLUEANDBLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii branickii)BERYLSPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)METALLICGREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)BAYHEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)GOLDENEARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)SAFFRONCROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)FLAMEFACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – Facemeltingly beautiful!GREENANDGOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus pulchra)SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)BLACKFACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)WHITESIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)DEEPBLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – Right at the the feeders at Alto Nieva.BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Introduced from the northwest of the country to Tarapoto. [I]BLUEBLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)CHESTNUTBELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)BLACKBILLED SEEDFINCH (Sporophila atrirostris) – A rare and local finch we enjoyed near Moyobamba.YELLOWBELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)BUFFTHROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus) – At Huembo.SLATECOLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – A fine saltator that George spotted for us at the tunnel.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps) [*]CHESTNUTCAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) [*]ORANGEBILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) [*]GRAYBROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis) [*]YELLOWBREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus) – Common around Owlet Lodge, among other places.YELLOWBROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)RUFOUSCOLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)ASHYTHROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
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HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea)WHITEWINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)CARMIOL'S TANAGER (YELLOWLORED) (Chlorothraupis carmioli frenata)GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Formerly called "Goldenbellied" or "Southern Yellow" Grosbeak, this is a fine bird we enjoyed
at Pomacochas.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)PALEEYED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus xanthophthalmus) – Rare and local, we saw it in the rice fields near Rioja.GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)YELLOWBILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – A nice surprise was a pair of these along the highway near the pass.SCARLETRUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – Handsome and hanging out with Green Jays at Alto Nieva.YELLOWRUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDENSHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus peruvianus) – A small group of these livened up our morning on the
trails at Owlet Lodge.RUSSETBACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)PLUMBEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia plumbea) – A great last bird for the tour! This bird is known from only two or three sites in the country, and is
not easy to see anywhere really.PURPLETHROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)THICKBILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)BRONZEGREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)WHITEVENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)ORANGEBELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)RUFOUSBELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)BLUENAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)CHESTNUTBREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) – A few lucky folks got on this lovely item as we played scold tape on
the trails at Owlet Lodge.HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
MAMMALSSADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – Great views of these little monkeys at Morro de Calzada.DUSKY TITI MONKEY (RIO MAYO) (Callicebus moloch oenanthe) [*]BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – Coming to the feeders at Owlet Lodge.TAYRA (Eira barbara) – Same as the last, but perhaps a bit more entertaining.
HerpsBOA CONSTRICTOR (Boa constrictor) – Wow! Nice find along the tunnel road!GREENSTRIPED POISON DART FROG (Phyllobates trivittatus) – At the hummingbird feeders in the Escalera (well, not *coming* to the
feeders... you know what I mean).
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Bark Anole - Anolis sp.
Totals for the tour: 377 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa
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